Chip Kelly on Florida Rumors: 'Whoever Gets That Job Will Be Really Lucky'

Former Oregon, Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly has been linked to the Florida Gators' head coaching gig. He didn't confirm those rumors when SportsCenter's Kevin Negandhiasked about his interest in the job Sunday morning, however.

"I really enjoy what I'm doing now," Kelly said. "I think Florida is an outstanding program and has had so much success there with Urban [Meyer], Steve Spurrier. I think whoever gets that job will be really lucky."

You can see the exchange below:

SportsCenter @SportsCenter

Is Chip Kelly in line to be the next coach of Florida Gators Football?
Here's what he had to say. https://t.co/EhEEmD6IbA

Kelly, 53, is serving as an ESPN analyst. During his time at Oregon, he led the Ducks to a 46-7 record in four years and a trip to the 2011 BCS National Championship Game, losing to Auburn.

His high-paced, spread-option offense and emphasis on sports science were highly influential in the college game and eventually earned NFL attention. In three seasons in Philadelphia and one in San Francisco, Kelly went 28-35, only reaching the postseason in his first year with the Eagles.

Florida, meanwhile, is seeking a new head coach after firing Jim McElwainthis season. The Gators have limped out to a 4-6 start and haven't come close to replicating the successes they had under Spurrier (national title in 1996) and Meyer (national titles in 2006 and '08).

According toJohn Taylorof NBC Sports, UCF's Scott Frost and Mississippi State's Dan Mullen are also candidates for the job. And on Wednesday, Spurrier suggested the next Florida lead man is currently coaching.

"The [nextUF] coach is with his team now," said Spurrier, who has been an ambassador forthe school since 2016 (h/tFootballScoop). "The coach we're going to hire is probably, I would almost 100 percent say is coaching his team today, this weekend, and through the end of the season, and maybe through the bowl game."

Spurrier clarified that he wasn't pushing for the program to hire a particular coach, such as Frost or interim head coach Randy Shannon, however:

Coach Steve Spurrier @SteveSpurrierUF

I am not recommending anyone for the job. We all have complete confidence that Scott Stricklin will make the best choice for our school - and we will support his decision 100 percent. https://t.co/GREyvfIfFW

But Kelly reportedly is in play for Florida.

PeteThamelof Yahoo Sports reported last week the school has already begun a "thorough vetting of Kelly." Certainly, Kelly's high-octane offense would provide a jolt to a Florida program that has lacked the dynamic offensive attacks that made Spurrier's and Meyer's Gators famous.